Beloved by Slashtom.
First created during the rise to power of the State (circa 1500). Originally castles, armies, and other devices with which to make sure that the State had the last word on violence over and above everyone else in a certain area. The same people who came up with the jolly idea of a State also had some great other StateInstitution ideas such as a national language, national flag, and even a national religion!. Very clever people indeed.
The State is currently either at it's peak, or just past it's peak of power.